Lynne Stevens
Choosing to send a child out of the Graham County public-school system into a private voucher school is a big decision.
In 2025-26, there were 703 voucher schools in North Carolina: 86% religious with three Islamic schools and one private secular school. The numbers are increasing.
What are parents getting for our tax money that they cannot get from a “properly-funded” public school? North Carolina State University and Duke Law School tried to answer that question by comparing voucher-school testing scores to public-school testing scores.
Private schools do not take state exams, making comparisons difficult without more required accountability by the private schools. State lawmakers say parents provide the ultimate accountability not the state.
How would parents know the rigor of their child’s education, with no way to compare?
Most private schools say they provide a fine education – and some do. The proof is in the information they are willing to give.
Do they put in writing, graduation rates, college-acceptance rates, or SAT/ACT scores? Look for recognized, academic accreditation and certifications the school has earned.
Does a religious school restrict views on science, biology, chemistry and physics, or use curricula like Abeka or Bob Jones – which many colleges do not accept? Are students exposed to classic literature across history and cultures? Are students required to complete school research projects? Does the school partner with a community college in advanced classes or certification programs?
Are private-school teachers certified to teach in North Carolina? Teachers can be caring and helpful, but lack the tools certification gives them to get the most out of their students.
Public schools have been excellent if the state legislature would prioritize our students – as it has in the past.
The fact of the matter is North Carolina has minimal oversight over the educational quality of students who receive vouchers. In affluent counties, many who receive vouchers are already in private schools and families pay substantially more than the voucher provides (N.C. Justice Center).
It seems to me the original purpose of the voucher program is lost to those who can afford the best schools, while a well-funded voucher school with lower funding is where lower-income families can afford to go.
Voucher schools can be also be picky, leaving struggling or handicap students who need extra help to increasingly-underfunded public schools and frustrated parents.
Lawmakers point to a study in 2020 which reported small gains in math and language – but no effect on reading in voucher schools – as proof that these schools improve quality education.
Notably, there were serious limitations to this study.
There continues to be little proof that voucher schools provide a superior education, because the state has not demanded transparency, oversight or evidence that state taxpayers are getting their money's worth with better-educated students.
Consistent budget-cutting over years put us where we are now, with an “F” school in Graham County.
Are vouchers more important to the legislature, so they can get out of the public school business? That’s what it looks like, with little evidence to the contrary.
Lynne Stevens writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. She can be reached via email, geminga@mailfence.com.